At Pride, there are undoubtedly many, many things that we’re proud of. We’re proud of our roots, our owners, the way we treat drivers, and the list goes on and on. Very high on our list of things we’re proud of is our women truck drivers.

Women drivers are strongly independent, and every day they’re on the road, they are shattering the myth that truck driving is a man’s world. They don’t do this by making a fuss or demanding they be treated special. They do this by showing up, hitting the road, and doing their job just as well as anyone. They let their work speak for themselves. And the work our women drivers do speaks volumes.

Sometimes, they even agree to speak to us, and we love that. This time, in our series on women in trucking, we got a chance to sit down and have a chat with Anne Alldredge; we think you’ll like what she has to say.

This is Anne Alldredge

Anne has been driving a truck for almost three years now, and she has spent those three years driving right here with Pride. When we asked why she chose to be a driver, she told us, “ I decided to become a driver in part because it’s a sustainable career that will always be needed but also as a way to see the country from a new perspective. You could say I chose the road less traveled.” And travel she does.

So, what’s the most challenging part of being a driver? Her answer was not unfamiliar to us.  “I think the hardest part of the job for me is dealing with all of the other people that I’m sharing the road with. Most people don’t have any concept of how heavy big rigs are and how much space we need to navigate the road safely.” We hear that from many of our drivers, and we do what we can to help educate others on the road as to how we can best share the road safely. 

Do you ever feel any resentment of pushback from the guys you drive with? “Personally, I haven’t had too many run-ins with male drivers. I mean, you do get some push back here and there, but for the most part, I don’t think it’s any worse in this industry than in almost any other industry. At the end of the day, we’re all out here to do a job and get home safely when we’re done.” 

We do all we can to make sure our drivers, women, and men, feel safe on the road or when they’re looking for a place to rest for the night. We asked Anne if she has any fears about that, and she shared such great advice. “As far as safety at trucks stops, most of it comes down to common sense. Keep your doors locked, secure your trailer, and think about what part of town you’re parking in. For those who want some added security, putting your seatbelts through the door handle at night will keep just about anyone out of the truck.” Thanks for that tip, Anne.

For any woman thinking about joining the remarkable career of truck driving but is worried about getting support from male co-workers, we asked Anne’s opinion about the guys she works with. Are they supportive? “Absolutely. The vast majority of male drivers are very supportive and will look out for other drivers, including female drivers.” That sounds like a resounding yes to us.

We are always searching to find the key to getting more women on the road in an excellent occupation. Oftentimes, we ask our female drivers what they feel is missing. Anne had a great answer. “I think part of the issue with having fewer women in trucking is simply that traditional stereotypes often portray trucking in a negative or rough light. Personally, I think as time goes on, and those stereotypes are corrected, more women will inevitably choose trucking as a career.” 

So, Anne, would you recommend driving a truck to women you know? “Yes. In fact, I already have recommended it to some women I know.” Sweet, we hope they come by for information soon.

Saying this is a good job is one thing, but giving us reasons is a much more in-depth answer. Anne shared her ideas on why driving a truck is such a great job. “Driving is a good job because it’s a career option that isn’t likely to go anywhere anytime soon. The entire country’s infrastructure and economy is dependent on trucks running. The trucking industry can offer a job to almost anyone from anywhere. As I mentioned earlier, it also offers a unique way to see the country.” That’s a great answer. 

And finally, Anne, are there any pieces of advice or earned wisdom that you’d like to share with women who are thinking about becoming drivers?  “My number one piece of advice is that safety has to come first. When you’re driving, you’re in command of the truck, and you have to be able to make the call on what is and what isn’t safe. No load is worth anyone’s life. Also, hard work and dedication are valuable tools in any job. And lastly, being friendly and flexible when dealing with customers can go a long way.”

Well, Anne, we think you’re going to go a long way. Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with us and share your thoughts about being a truck driver.

Anne is right; truck drivers are vital to our economy and the infrastructure of this great nation. Trucks are always rolling, and goods are still going to require transportation. Here at Pride, we are continually looking for good people to get behind the wheel and keep this country running. We hope our conversation with Anne will encourage more women to explore this career and check out what it means to drive with Pride.